A charterhouse on the banks of the Sioule, monumental sculptures and two routes of different lengths give Chapdes-Beaufort specific points of interest for a stay. The options range from the history of the Chartreuse Port-Sainte-Marie and the Chemin Fais’Art to a hike with scenic views and an educational farm. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between activities by type: the Chartreuse focuses on the site and its interpretation, the routes on length and difficulty, and the Ferme de la Marinette on a farm visit and donkey hikes.

Chartreuse Port-Sainte-Marie: History and Architecture

The Chartreuse Port-Sainte-Marie was founded on the banks of the Sioule in 1219. Its ruins preserve a double row of cells, a lay cemetery and a fortified tower. These different surviving features give the site more than a single architectural point of interest: the cells, cemetery and tower can be seen as parts of the monastic site, while its founding by the river anchors the historic site in time and place.

Discovery visits explain the architecture of a charterhouse. They also introduce activities undertaken by the association to preserve and bring the site to life. The visit therefore focuses both on the building’s design and on the work that preserves and animates the site. Visit availability depends on the schedule, so check in advance whether a visit is offered.

Sculptures along the Chemin Fais’Art

The Chemin Fais’Art offers a different cultural focus: this place of discovery features monumental sculptures made from Volvic stone by Gilles Perez. Sculptures along the Chemin Fais’Art have been installed since 1992. The material, scale and named artist give the sculpture trail a distinct focus alongside the history of the charterhouse. For travelers choosing what to see, the Chemin Fais’Art thus offers a different cultural focus from the interpretation of the monastery’s architecture.

Two Routes of Different Lengths

There are two routes to choose from, with clearly different characteristics. The route to the Vierge de Beaufort is a moderately difficult 10.5-kilometer loop; it takes about three hours and 15 minutes and is marked in yellow. It leads to the summit of Puy de Beaufort, at 886 meters, and the Vierge de Beaufort. Along the way, it offers views of the Sancy Massif and the Chaîne des Puys. Its length, approximate duration and moderate rating help you gauge it as a longer activity; the views add a landscape element to the summit destination.

By contrast, the Circuit poussette – Le chemin Fais’Art is an easy 1.9-kilometer out-and-back route, accessible to the general public. The trails therefore differ in length, format and rating: this easy out-and-back route contrasts with the moderately difficult loop to the Vierge de Beaufort. Check the route details locally before setting out, as they may change.

Farm Visit and Donkey Hikes

The Ferme de la Marinette adds a visit to its educational farm, with 15 animal species and 34 different breeds. The visit includes a shaded walking route and access to some animal enclosures. Donkey hikes are also offered from the Ferme de la Marinette, either accompanied or self-guided. This provides a choice between a farm visit with a walking route and animal enclosures, and a hike that can be done with a guide or independently. Activity and booking details may change; check them in advance.

Discover more destinations: Baffie, Mirefleurs, Saint-Rémy-de-Blot, Montel-de-Gelat, Antoingt, Menat, Sancy, Cournon-D'auvergne.

For the wider travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.